Kristiansen re-elected chairman of Washington House Republicans
Rep. Dan Kristiansen has once again been chosen as chairman of the Washington House Republican Caucus for the coming 2013-14 term. Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, was re-elected to the position by caucus members during a meeting of Washington House Republicans today in Cle Elum. He has served as caucus chairman since November 2006.
“I'm very humbled and honored that my fellow House Republican colleagues have faith in my ability to continue to lead this caucus and provide solutions to the challenges our state faces during the next two years,” said Kristiansen.
“I think our caucus recognizes that it will take strong leadership to solve problems in state government, such as the budget deficit and a struggling economy,” added Kristiansen. “It's been only days since the election and already, we are hearing some in state government talk about the need to increase taxes. We shouldn't be going the direction of the federal government, which is expected to impose massive tax hikes over the next few years. Instead, we need to be more innovative and solution-oriented about our approach. That means focusing on policies that would foster private-sector job creation, prioritizing spending in the state budget, and holding the line against higher taxes that could harm families and small employers who create jobs.”
The 39th District lawmaker begins his sixth term in office in January. Besides leading caucus meetings, Kristiansen's duties include working with Republican leaders on the House policy and budget committees to develop and manage legislative priorities, and help communicate proposed leadership actions to members of the caucus.
“I've been on the House Republican leadership team for the past six years and have learned that much of our success is attributed with a willingness to have an open dialogue about the issues. I have established great relationships with members on both sides of the aisle. We are ready to work with the majority party and the new governor, offer new ideas, and have as much positive input as possible into the decision-making processes, so that together, we can build a better Washington,” said Kristiansen.
As caucus chairman, Kristiansen will continue to serve on the House Rules Committee which chooses committee-approved bills to advance to the House floor. He will also chair the committee that approves assignments of Republicans to House policy and fiscal committees.
Also during the meeting, House Republicans re-elected Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, as leader. Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, was re-elected deputy leader. Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley, will serve once again as assistant floor leader. Newly-elected leaders include: Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, as floor leader; Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, as whip; and Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, as the other assistant floor leader.
The Legislature will convene Jan. 14 for a scheduled 105-day session.
